Help a newbie decide

[JayManMtl]

my situation explained - which one would be best?

Hi Guys!

I've been reading alot lately on this forum – alot of useful information – I just wanted to explain my situation so the GPS experts would best know what would be good for me.

Details:

· I'm from Montreal (Canada) so the unit has to be able to map out courses in my region… I've scanned the different websites and most companies offer the courses I'm looking for;

· I've played on 21 different courses this year – and will probably be playing on 10-15 next year (membership) all in the Quebec province – unless there is a golf trip (Myrtle Beach, Arizona or Florida would be the options)… thus, the number of courses 'in the unit' is not that important – I could always add/delete to make sure I was enough room… I need to make sure the 'deleted from unit' courses stays into my computer though…also, if there is a trip, I need to be able to download courses out of my region (it a big if, so – not that important);

· I'm looking for a device in the 250-300$ range – but would not restrain from 450$ if the added features are worth it in the experts eyes;

· Ideally, I'm looking for no membership fees (but wouldn't cry about a 30/40$ yearly fee)… I would also want to make sure there are no 'hidden fees' (battery charger, upgrade membership needed, etc.) that a newbie like me wouldn't know at first glance – only to find out that it'll cost a lot more than you would think;

· Signal stability is very important to me… I certainly don't want to 'miss out' on 4 holes per round because there is no signal;

· Intelligreen (or equivalent) is also very important to me – In fact, I would rate it as one of the most important aspects for me… I clearly am looking for the exact yardage at the front of the green from where I'm standing and not just an overall figure - and be able to 'move the line' for today's flag position;

· I'm looking for a unit that would allow me to map a lot of points on my course – making sure I can add a tree over here and there;

· Color screen is not an issue – is playing in the sun that much of an issue? can't we just use our hand to show the figures? I'm asking - I don't know;

· No need for digital scorecard or game analysis – I already do this and I'm not looking for something that replaces the way I'm handling this;

· Battery life is important to me – I don't want to have to plug it up after every round or so (Is that possible?)

· Size/ weight is not that important – other than the fact that I would be able to buckle it up and not think about it when swinging – nor should I be worried about 'losing it' anywhere on course (i.e. when racking a sandtrap, bending to read a putt, etc.);

· Customer service is also important – for general use obviously;

· I'm, by no mean, a computer geek but I wouldn't want to run into firewall or similar issues that would temper the usage;

I've been looking at all major players here… IGolf, Guru, Sonocaddie, Skycaddie, Buddy, Garmin, SureShot, uPro… any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[phil75070]

I am biased, but I suggest you look at two cpmparative tables:

 

http://www.digicaddie.wlb1.com/gps_comparative_table.html

 

http://www.gpsgolfguru.com/products/compare

 

I think the Golf Guru comes the closest to meeting your criteria:

 

- grayscale holds 20 courses plus 20 user mapped; color holds up to 200 courses on the unit. All user mapped and edited courses can bb / are uploaded when you synch and are saved on their server. No courses are saved on your computer.

- price (249.95 for the grayscale / 369.95 for color)

- no annual fees, no hidden fees

- never had a problem with losing signal; uses same state-of-the-art GPS receiver (uBlox5) that SG2.5 and 5 uses = highly accurate

- can easily self map an entire course or edit downloaded courses with up to 30 points per hole AND you can do the outline of the green for use with the Intelligreen-like feature

- I have gotten three rounds off a single charge; based on remaining capacity indicator, it looks like I could get four

- nice and light, not bulky, comfortable carried in the front pocket while not losing signal.

- customer service is about the best there is

- I use Vista and have had no issues with synching

 

It was the self-mapping and editing of downloaded courses that sold me on the device after using the Skycaddie SG2 for 4-5 years. I am very happy with my choice.